Category: Brandpoint

2023-11-29T16:35:00

(BPT) – Are video games at the top of your kids’ wish lists this year? Chances are good that they are. In a recent survey of U.S. adults and children aged 10 through 17 by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), kids were most likely to ask parents for video game–related presents (72%). It’s not surprising, as there’s a video game out there for every player, and video games are a fun activity that can also engage friends and family in interactive play.

In the survey, a majority of both girls (59%) and boys (86%) say they plan to ask for video game gifts, with the top five requests being for game subscriptions (39%), game consoles (38%), game gear/accessories (32%), in-game currency (29%) and physical video games (22%). And they’re not just for kids — about 1 in 3 (32%) adults say they plan to buy video game gifts for themselves or others for the holidays, with that number jumping to 57% for parents.

“More than 212 million Americans play video games regularly, so it comes as no surprise that games are at the top of this year’s wish lists,” said Stan Pierre-Louis, president and CEO, ESA. “Whether a family is getting a new console, updating their controllers and headsets or adding to their library with new games and expansion packs, we know video games are a great tool for families to play together and connect during the holiday season and beyond.”

Before you head online or to a store to do your shopping, it’s important to take steps to ensure the games you choose for your kids are appropriate for their ages, and that you’re comfortable with their content.

If you’re a parent or caregiver — or other relative looking for games for the kids in your life — the ESA encourages taking these three steps before purchasing and gifting video game items for kids, so you can relax and let them have fun playing games they love.

1. Check the age and content rating information

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) assigns age and content ratings to video games and mobile apps to help parents and caregivers decide which are appropriate for kids. Parents should look out for the ESRB’s three-part rating system:

Rating Categories suggest age appropriateness. Ratings include E for Everyone, E10+ for ages 10 and older, T for Teen, M for Mature for ages 17 and older or AO for Adults Only.

Content Descriptors highlight content leading to the assigned age rating. ESRB has over 30 Content Descriptors to let parents know when a video game contains language, humor, violence and more.

Interactive Elements provide upfront notice about interactive features that may be important to parents. For example, the “In-Game Purchases” label lets parents know when a game offers the ability to spend money for additional in-game content, and the “Users Interact” label lets parents know when a game allows user-to-user communication.

You can find ESRB rating information on the front and back of all video game boxes, and on product detail pages on digital storefronts.

2. Make use of parental controls

Tools exist on virtually all game devices to help parents and caregivers manage gameplay experiences for their family. Parental controls can include:

• Filtering games by ESRB age rating
• Managing time spent playing games
• Controlling — or preventing — spending
• Limiting — or blocking — communication with other players
• PIN and password settings to prevent unwanted changes
• Regular playtime reports

3. Have family conversations about responsible online behavior

Video games are a positive and meaningful outlet for billions of players worldwide. To help your family enjoy their games, it’s important to communicate clear household rules around limits (such as time of day and duration of play), the types of games allowed and when it’s appropriate to spend money — then set up parental controls around these rules.

In addition, games increasingly allow interaction with others online. You’ll want to consider whether family members should be able to interact with other players and if so, with whom. You can decide to activate parental controls to block online communications. In some cases, parents can curate their kids’ friends list to only allow communications with people they know in real life.

If children are allowed to interact with others online, remember to discuss appropriate behavior, including treating other players kindly and respectfully. It’s also key to have conversations with children about interacting with strangers online. If they’re allowed to talk to strangers, make sure children understand what to do if they encounter another player behaving inappropriately. Remember: Kids can always mute, block and report players, and if they’re unsure what to do, let them know they can always ask you or another trusted adult for advice.

Learn more about nurturing ongoing conversations around video games in your home by checking out ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide and tools for parents, and following the ESRB blog. Steps the video game industry is taking to help protect everyone in the player community can be found on TheESA.com.

2023-11-29T09:01:00

(BPT) – By Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS, Executive Director & CEO, The American College of Surgeons

Navigating healthcare is a complex endeavor and knowing where to find high-quality surgical care can be an intimidating task. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) makes it easier for patients and families to find hospitals that meet high-quality evidence-based standards and consistently deliver better surgical outcomes.

For more than 110 years, the ACS has been setting standards for the care of surgical patients around the world. Surgeons who are Fellows of the ACS — designated by the letters “FACS” after their name — undergo careful review before attaining this distinction. In a similar way, hospitals that participate in 13 different quality programs submit themselves to detailed scrutiny to earn ACS accreditation or verification.

Meeting the rigorous qualifications of our programs is extremely difficult. Hospitals that achieve this distinguished status earn the designation of ACS Surgical Quality Partner and can proudly display the ACS Diamond in their hospitals.

ACS Quality Programs encompass care in a variety of specialties including cancer, trauma, bariatric, vascular and emergency surgery, among others. We also help hospitals deliver better care to specific populations such as children and older adults. For example, delirium is a frequent complication for older adults and our Geriatric Surgery Verification program equips hospitals with strategies and tools to reduce the risk delirium poses. This can lead to shorter hospital stays and higher success in achieving a patient’s care goals. Our Children’s Surgery Verification program ensures that hospitals take into account the different requirements for delivering the best care to our youngest patients.

The ACS Commission on Cancer and our quality programs in breast and rectal cancer guide hospitals in building team-based approaches to care, centering patient needs and adhering to the latest and best practices in cancer care. The ACS Committee on Trauma sets standards to ensure that hospitals are well prepared to care for injured patients, especially during those critical early moments that can mean the difference between survival and death. Patients treated at ACS-verified trauma centers have demonstrably higher survival rates than those treated at non-verified hospitals.

Through our ACS Power of Quality campaign, we are working to help patients find the best care for themselves and their loved ones. We understand the importance of being treated at hospitals that demonstrate a deep commitment to quality. Our hospital finder provides patients with information on more than 2,500 hospitals nationwide that have earned the distinguished ACS Surgical Quality Partner Diamond by participating in one or more of our programs.

Together, these hospitals and our more than 90,000 ACS members have made the professional commitment to putting quality at the forefront of all that they do. The next time you or a loved one need surgical care, seek out a surgeon with the FACS designation and a hospital displaying the ACS Surgical Quality Partner Diamond; you can feel confident about the quality of your care.

Patricia L. Turner is the Executive Director & CEO of The American College of Surgeons, the largest professional association of surgeons in the world, founded in 1913.

2023-11-29T07:01:00

(BPT) – Many holiday celebrations center around food and good company. A meal can bring people, whether acquaintances, friends, or family, together to celebrate the season.

To make your holiday get-togethers extra special this year, infuse some holiday spirit into your menu. Incorporate fruits and vegetables for a fresh and joyful twist on traditional dishes. Whether you’re a health-conscious host or just eager to add a dash of nutritious value to your holiday spread, explore these tips to create a memorable and magical holiday feast.

1. Extend a Heartwarming Welcome with a Bountiful Fruit and Veggie Platter

Chances are your guests will arrive at your home ready to eat, even if you won’t be sitting down to eat for an hour or so. Having a platter of fresh and vibrant fruits and veggies ready for guests to snack on as they settle in and chat before the main course helps infuse your gathering with the spirit of health and happiness that defines this special season.

Cut up some Fresh Del Monte^® produce, including bananas and pineapples, and skewer them or leave out toothpicks for a pleasant, sweet snack. These fruits are excellent sources of essential nutrients, with bananas providing potassium and pineapples offering a boost of vitamin C. This combination not only makes for a nutritious treat but also helps bolster your immune system during the colder months. For an extra special touch, consider adding a Pinkglow^® Pineapple to your lineup. This Instagram-worthy fruit boasts a sweeter, less sour taste, and is exceptionally juicy, taking your holiday gathering to new heights of joy.

Arrange these fruits on a tray along with crunchy raw veggies like Mann’s Family Favorites^® Stringless Sugar Snap Peas and Snow Peas, a good source of iron the body needs to grow and develop. Pick up a few bags of Mann’s Family Favorites^® vegetables, which come trimmed, washed and cut, ready for you to serve! As an alternative, consider Mann’s ready-to-go veggie trays. No need to chop or prep — simply open and serve, or re-plate to give it that homemade touch. Save your energy for the main course and let us take care of the veggie tray prep. It’s a healthy-made-easy way to keep your holiday spread fresh and festive.

2. Festive Freshness: Revitalize Your Appetizers with Crisp Lettuce

Lettuce isn’t just for salad. You can make fresh appetizers to charm guests without spoiling their appetites before dinner. Use large green leaf or romaine lettuce leaves as cups or wraps for savory fillings like sauteed mushrooms or seasoned and browned ground turkey. These healthy, tasty appetizers are great alternatives to traditional finger foods.

Make prep for these crisp lettuce bites simple by purchasing Mann Packing Co.’s Better Crunch Lettuce, Better Romaine^® Leaf, or Better Green Leaf^®. Each package includes single-cut lettuce that is washed and ready to use, so you can quickly assemble lettuce wraps and cups and get back to cooking the main holiday meal.

3. Experience Holiday Joy with Lower-Carb Alternatives for Diverse and Delicious Dishes

While traditional holiday side dishes are often rich in starchy carbohydrates, yours don’t have to follow suit. Instead, consider innovative, vibrant and lower-carb alternatives that indulge your cravings without the accompanying guilt. Purchase Mann Packing Co.’s Better Pasta, Better Rice and Better Fries at your local grocery store to quickly make diverse and delicious dishes. These carbs are cut from gluten-free vegetables to replace traditional carb dishes without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Cook up a bowl of MANN™ Better Pasta, — a low-calorie pasta alternative — to complement your chicken dishes. For a delightful twist, sauté MANN™ Better Cauliflower Rice with a medley of aromatic spices, creating a fragrant bed for your entrées. And for a truly festive treat, why not dust some MANN ™ Better Fresh Cut Sweet Potato Fries with a sprinkle of warm cinnamon or a touch of nutmeg? These wholesome, fiber-rich substitutes for foods heavy in calories and carbs, infused with cozy holiday flavors, will have you savoring every guilt-free bite, bringing a touch of seasonal tastes to your holiday table!

4. Elevate Your Holiday Feast with Steakhouse-Style Vegetables

Bring a little taste of an upscale restaurant to your cozy holiday gathering with Mann Packing Co.’s Steakhouse Style vegetables. Sauté asparagus in garlic butter, roast BROCCOLINI^® baby broccoli, in parmesan or grill CAULILINI^® baby cauliflower with pine nuts to dazzle your guests’ taste buds. All three vegetables are a great source of fiber and pair well with most meats. Best of all, Mann Packing Co.’s Steakhouse Style vegetables are incredibly convenient and easy to prepare.

Incorporating fresh fruits and veggies into your holiday menu doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste. Using these four tips, you can add vibrancy, nutrition and a unique twist to your festive meals with tasty produce. For more information on Fresh Del Monte and Mann Packing Co. products, including retail availability and recipes, please visit DelMonteFresh.com, PinkGlowPineapple.com and VeggiesMadeEasy.com.

2023-11-29T07:01:00

(BPT) – Three-quarters of Americans are planning to enjoy the end of the year and not worry about their diet — up from just half last year, according to a new survey.

Results of a recently released survey by Herbalife, a global health and wellness company, revealed that 72% of the 2,000 Americans surveyed want to make the most of the end of the year, regardless of what that means for their diet, compared to 54% in last year’s survey.

That attitude may help explain why respondents in the sixth annual “Writing Off the End of the Year” survey expect to gain 8 pounds before the end of the year — compared to 5 1/2 pounds last year. The results also revealed that two-thirds (66%) of respondents use the end of the year to postpone being healthy — a 24% increase from the previous year.

“The end of the year should be a time to focus on family, friends and self-care,” said Herbalife Chief Health and Nutrition Officer, Dr. Kent Bradley. “Identify specific, attainable actions you want to take to improve your health and your mindset, and if you can, bring your friends and family along on that health journey.”

Despite leaning into temptation at the end of the year, 68% of respondents are confident they’ll have healthy habits in the new year. And they expect it will take them an average of about 19 days to get back on track with their healthy habits, or to start new ones. With this in mind, 47% are planning to make a New Year’s resolution for 2024, up from 32% the year prior.

The 2024 “Top 5” New Year’s Resolutions are:

1. Eating healthier (68%)
2. Exercising more (66%)
3. Getting more sleep (56%)
4. Focusing on self-care (54%)
5. Saving money (53%)

To help set yourself up for success now and into the new year, Bradley recommends these six attainable resolutions to help people lose holiday weight and achieve better health:

1. Be specific

Being too general with a resolution makes it difficult to follow. Rather than saying you’ll exercise more or eat better, make your goal to work out three times a week or have a vegetable with every meal. These small, measurable and specific goals set you up for success.

2. Find a friend

A support network can be a big help on your health journey. Find a friend or group of like-minded people to support each other and keep everyone accountable. It also adds a social element that is essential for overall well-being.

3. Get moving

Physical activity is essential in getting healthy. According to guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of muscle strengthening activity, each week. It may seem like a lot, but breaking up the physical activity into 30-minute sessions, five days a week, makes it more manageable.

4. Add protein

Protein is a nutritional powerhouse that satisfies hunger and builds lean muscle mass. Include protein-rich foods like lean meat, poultry, eggs, legumes and seeds at every meal and snack to fuel your body and satisfy hunger throughout the day.

5. Avoid fad diets

It’s tempting to jump on the newest trend but remember there are no quick fixes for health. Fad diets do not address the core problems that cause people to gain weight and often eliminate foods that are actually healthy, which can result in nutritional deficiencies.

6. Give yourself grace

Something is always better than nothing. If there isn’t time for a 30-minute workout, do 15. If you can’t make a home-cooked meal, order out a plant-based option. If you have an off day, don’t give up completely. Focus on forward momentum even if you’ve taken a few steps back.

“Make sure you take the time to plan and prepare for the positive behavior changes you’d like to make and be kind to yourself in the process,” said Bradley.

For more healthy lifestyle tips and information, visit Herbalife.com.

2023-11-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – As winter begins to strengthen its cold grip on many parts of the country, rendering outdoor activities difficult, Arkansas — with its mild climate — is primed to offer a memorable outdoor experience.

Come to Arkansas and you’ll see why we are called The Natural State. One must look no further than the state’s 52 state parks.

Whether you seek adventure or just a relaxing day in nature, Arkansas State Parks are open, free for day use and ready no matter what time of year.

For 100 years, Arkansas State Parks have provided thrill-seeking adventure for people of all experience levels. In recent years, the state has invested in developing a unique collection of trails through state parks called Monument Trails.

There are four state parks — Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Mount Nebo State Park, and Devil’s Den State Park — that feature these professionally built multi-use trails that showcase Arkansas’ iconic beauty in a most unique way through quality cycling and hiking paths. Along the trails, which are suitable for all skill levels, users will experience nature and wildlife up close and personal. Soon, outdoor art will be installed along the trails to greater enhance the experience.

Arkansas State Parks Monument Trails are receiving worldwide attention. Earlier this year, Outside Magazine recognized the trails as featuring the best mountain biking in the United States. Professional mountain bikers from around the globe are coming to Arkansas for a one-of-a-kind riding experience.

Traveling across mountain trails isn’t the only way to see Arkansas, you can also climb those mountains. Rock climbing is becoming more than just a trend in Arkansas State Parks. You can test your climbing skills on the south bluff of Arkansas’ highest mountain — Mount Magazine at 2,753 feet.

Four-season adventure also awaits you on the water.

You can take a leisurely float through the cypress trees and water lilies at Cane Creek State Park or paddle down the raging white-waters of Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area.

Most Arkansas State Parks offer numerous camping opportunities. Whether you prefer the primitive setting of pitching a tent along the lakeshore, or renting a cabin or yurt, you can find the perfect accommodations that meet your interests and budget at an Arkansas State Park.

There are also two Arkansas State Parks that feature amenities unique to Arkansas.

Participants can dig for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park. And, what you find — you keep! There is no place else in the nation like it.

Lots of things to do, indeed, and you can find them all in Arkansas State Parks.

Need an excuse to come see for yourself? Plan on being in The Natural State on January 1 for our First Day Hikes program. You will be taken on guided tours through the parks and begin making memories with your family.

Whether winter, spring, summer or fall — it is always the right time to visit Arkansas. Plan your Arkansas State Parks adventure at www.arkansasstateparks.com.

2023-11-28T10:01:00

(BPT) – How much money would make you happy? According to the average American, the price tag comes in around $1.2 million.

For about 4 in 10 Americans (37%), and exactly half of Gen Xers, retiring by a certain age is the meaning of financial happiness. The majority (84%) are taking steps to reach this target, including putting more money into retirement savings (39%), short-term savings like a high-yield account (31%), and working with a financial advisor (26%). A quarter of savers (25%) are paying off debt more aggressively than they would otherwise and 22% are delaying a major purchase like a car.

The power of planning

The majority of Americans (73%) say a solid financial plan would bring them happiness, and they would like help to get there: 57% of Americans wish they would have gotten advice sooner. Nearly half of Americans (45%) say they haven’t gotten the financial advice they need, including 55% of Gen Zers and 57% of Millennials. But those who already have a plan are proof of its power: Americans with a more detailed financial plan are three times as likely as those with a less detailed plan to report greater happiness around financial freedom (75% versus 24%), their plans to achieve financial goals (78% versus 23%), and the overall state of their finances, such as their net worth and debt balances (73% versus 19%).

“The financial professionals at Empower combine the power of advice with technology to help Americans get on the path to financial freedom,” explains Waddell. “With their financial goals in mind and a solid plan to reach them, savers can spend more time doing the things that make them happy — in their working years and beyond.”

Access the full Financial Happiness report on The Currency™.

Methodology:
“Financial Happiness” survey of 2,034 Americans ages 18+ commissioned by Empower and fielded by The Harris Poll from August 7 to August 14, 2023.

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2023-11-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you feel stressed around the holiday season, you are far from alone. Between busier schedules, long to-do lists and high expectations, what should be a joyful time of year can instead offer real mental health challenges for people of all ages.

According to the Mayo Clinic, one tried-and-true method of lowering your own stress is to help others through actions like volunteering. To help employees, students and their community reduce stress during the season, DeVry University leans into its “Culture of Care,” including initiatives to give back to and become more engaged with the community.

How colleagues and students can feel more engaged

“Building a sense of belonging is vital and starts with our Culture of Care: Care for our colleagues, students, families and the communities we serve,” said Dave Barnett, chief administrative officer, DeVry University. “For everyone to feel a sense of belonging, especially around the holiday season, they must feel that our organization values them. A sense of gratitude drives engagement far more than short-term activities.”

Becoming part of something larger than yourself is a vital part of feeling gratitude and a sense of purpose that can put everyday stressors in perspective. Here are a few ways the university encourages giving back to the community:

SMART Futures

DeVry’s social responsibility initiative, SMART Futures, focuses on helping today’s youth prepare for the careers of tomorrow, especially in communities where kids may not have sufficient technology fluency to keep up with fast-evolving tech fields. DeVry colleagues, faculty, students, alumni, and partners work together to help middle and high school students in underserved communities with hands-on experiences and resources to ensure they’ll be ready for careers of the future.

For example, the SMART Futures program initiated a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of America and supported three local Clubs across the country this year, including a Summer Workforce Readiness Program and a new DeVry University STEM Lab.

HerWorld is another initiative from SMART Futures that introduces middle school girls to STEM subjects by building digital fluency and technology confidence while also encouraging curiosity in technology careers. HerWorld engages young girls in underrepresented school districts by sharing stories about the careers they could have with technology and giving them hands-on interaction with different types of technology.

Volunteer Time Off

As part of SMART Futures, the university provides paid time off for colleagues and faculty members to make an impact in the community, including volunteer opportunities with organizations that align to SMART Futures and support technology confidence among underserved youth including Boys & Girls Clubs, Junior Achievement and more. DeVry also encourages colleagues to support and volunteer at organizations important to them.

The DeVry Scholarship Fund

The DeVry Scholarship Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity that works in partnership with, but separate from, DeVry University. The Fund supports the student journey by providing financial support in the form of competitive scholarships to qualifying students. Scholarships are awarded to current students, especially those with the greatest need and who have established a successful academic track record. The Scholarship Fund responds to student needs by assisting those who, without scholarships, may find it difficult to continue their education.

Through all of these efforts and more, DeVry’s Culture of Care encourages everyone to show care by going the extra mile for colleagues in their day-to-day work lives, inspiring each other to bring their best to work every day. This translates into care for students by creating a positive environment where they experience high-quality, personalized learning supported by outstanding service.

“The holiday season is a great time for leaders of every organization to give back, to encourage a culture of giving back to the community, and to show appreciation to employees,” added Barnett. “Openly expressing gratitude is very meaningful, and helping others is a positive way to show how much you appreciate what you already have — as well as what you’re willing to give others to contribute to a positive community where everyone can thrive.”

Learn more about DeVry University at DeVry.edu.